Book Reviews and More: September 2016

Friday, 30 September 2016

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books ThirdQuarter 2016

Top Ten Fiction and Non-Fiction Books Third Quarter 2016

Wow what a quarter, I have managed to read 94 books and most of them this quarter were fiction. And have read 183 books since January 1st. I have built out an awesome and ever expanding Catholic reading list for 2016. There are some amazing books in these lists! Though to be honest working from my favorite and influential books by year list it was very hard to narrow down to the top ten fiction list this quarter. My top two fiction authors each with almost a book a week are Andrew Clements and Chris d'Lacey!

Fiction:
1. We Are All Jacob's Children - Noah ben Shea
2. Sword and Serpent - Taylor R. Marshall
3. Fly, Cherokee, Fly - Chris d'Lacey
4. Icefire - Chris d'Lacey - The Last Dragon Chronicles #2
5. The Janitor's Boy - Andrew Clements
6. Horace - Chris d'Lacey
7. Liberation - Corinna Turner - I Am Margaret Book 3
8. Little Bear - Else Holmelund Minarik and Maurice Sendak
9. Icarus Down - James Bow
10. Someday - Corinna Turner

Honourable mention to other books by d'Lacey and Clements!

No Talking - Andrew Clements
A Week in the Woods - Andrew Clements
A Hole at the Pole - Chris d'Lacey
A Break In The Chain - Chris d'Lacey

Non-Fiction:
1. Resisting Happiness - Matthew Kelly
2. How God Hauled Me Kicking And Screaming Into The Catholic Church - Kevin Lowry
3. 40 Years with a Saint: Blessed Alvaro del Portillo on St. Josemaria Escriva - Cesare Cavalleri
4. Rediscover Jesus - Matthew Kelly
5. Hope for Hard Times - Scott Hahn
6. A Shepherd in Combat Boots - William L. Maher
7. Into the Deep: Finding Peace Through Prayer - Dan Burke
8. Soul, Mind and Heart - Cardianl Timothy M. Dolan
9. The Chameleon - Merrick Rosenberg
10. Made for More - Curtis Martin

Looking forward to what the next quarter will bring, and it is going to be very hard at the end of the year to narrow it down to a final Top 10 of 2016!

Wednesday, 28 September 2016

Product Review - Super Serum Vanilla - Paleo Ethics

Super Serum Vanilla
Paleo Ethics
ASIN B01FK3F4XE

This is the third Paleo Ethics product that I have tried And I find it hard to write a review for this one. Unlike the Organic Super Greens that I loved, and the Vegan Recovery Matrix which I enjoyed, This one for a vanilla protein powder was great, but overall is a little more wanting then the other offerings I have tried.

For the most part Vanilla protein powders are awful, they usually smell great but taste horrible. I once struggled through half a tub of a product mixing it 1 to 2 with either chocolate or strawberry and finally gave up and threw the rest out. I am not sure why making a great tasting vanilla product has proved so hard. Now don't get me wrong this one tastes good, but is way too sweet for my palate. I am not sure if it is the Stevia, Vanilla Caramel or the Coconut oil powder but I could not drink this on its own. I tried mixing it with water, juice, and even greens powders. Just could not find a good way to have it just as a drink. Finally took to mixing it into smoothies that were heavy on chia and hemp hearts to tone it down. Also mixing it needed the bullet, just a glass or shaker always ended up with clumping.

I have seen two different sets of nutritional labels for this product. One says there are 18g protein for 1 scoop and the other 18g protein for 2 scoops. Not sure which is accurate? I like that the sugars are 0 and the sodium lower than many other brands.

The ingredients are: Super Serum (beef), Beef protein Isolate, Stevia, Natural Vanilla Flavour, Natural French Vanilla, Coconut Oil Powder.

I really believe this product could be amazing if it had half the stevia. As it is it is a good product and serves its stated purpose. And you can really appreciate the no eggs, non GMO, gluten free, dairy and soy free, no added sugar, no nuts, no corn and Paleo certified.

Would I get it again not likely but based on the quality I would be more than willing to try some of their other products. Good try but not quite there.

Reviews of Paleo Ethics Products:
Organic Super Greens
Vegan Recovery Matrix
Super Serum Vanilla

Monday, 26 September 2016

The Swan Riders - Erin Bow - Prisoners of Peace Book 2

The Swan Riders
Prisoners of Peace #2
Erin Bow
Margaret K. McElderry Books an imprint of
Simon & Schuster
ISBN 9781481442749
ASIN B01BKR46XI

I have read a number of books by Erin Bow, both here young adult fiction and her poetry published under the name Erin Noteboom. Most of her books were hard to put down. But because I was reading a physical ARC of this book it was only read at home, mostly later in the evening. As such the read of this book took longer than most books I read. And in many ways that was a good thing. This book is cognitive fiction, as you read or even after you finish you will find yourself, thinking, reflecting and ruminating on some of the themes and motif's presented.

What does it mean to be human, to be loyal, and to love? To see something you desperately want slipping through your fingers and not knowing how to stop it? To want to save the world, but lose sight of the individuals while focusing on the masses. To be an AI connected to the whole world and lose that? To be willing to sacrifice, but having to figure out what is worth sacrificing and what is not no matter the cost. These and more are some of the things I reflected upon while reading this book.

Bow writes a powerful narrative, filled with passion, a few betrayals, loyalty, friendship and love. Greta Stuart expected to die young, as a prisoner of peace, she knew she would likely die because of a war over water rights. But she accepted a different path. She chose to become an AI, but having been raised royalty, living as a hostage left a mark on her, and as she gave up her humanity she committed to fighting to be even more human than before.

The swan riders are loyal servants of the AI's they are the boots on the ground in a global peace keeping initiative started s few hundred years ago, when the control of all the weapons platforms in space was taken over by the AI's. So Talis (aka Michael), Greta the new AI, and two swan riders as guards are riding across a post-apocalyptic Saskatchewan, with lots of time for discussion, discovery and difficulties . And in all of this Greta is the most precious cargo of all the first new AI in over 100 years. Greta has some serious influence in how all these complicated events are going to play out.

There are some LGBT themes in this book, though not as overt as in the first volume. A major part of the plot does revolve around relationships, and how those dynamics can change when a second intelligence can use a host body, thus changing things a lot. To some extent the majority of the book is about relationship, relationship on a personal level, with the demigod AI's, with the nations under the thumb of threat. And how those different levels interact and influence decisions and reactions.

The book is well written and again the strongest part of the characters. We experience a lot of growth in both Greta, and Elian. We also see a sort of metamorphosis in Michael (Talis). It was an interesting follow up novel, I was not quite as impressed as I was when I read Scorpion Rules, but still a very good book.

Thank you Erin Bow for another interesting adventure.

Books By Erin Bow:
Plain Kate
Sorrow's Knot

Prisoners of Peace:
The Scorpion Rules
The Swan Riders

As Erin Noteboom:
Ghost Maps: Poems for Carl Hruska
Seal up the Thunder
The Mongoose Diaries

Friday, 23 September 2016

40 Years with a Saint - Blessed Alvaro del Portillo on St. Josemara Escriva

40 Years with a Saint:
Blessed Alvaro del Portillo on St. Josemara Escriva
Álvaro del Portillo
Cesare Cavalleri
Dr. Gerald Malsbary (Translator)
Scepter Publishers
ISBN 9781594172496

I have read this book through and know that I will read It again. It was inspiring, motivating and encouraging. This book is also reprint of the book originally called Immersed in God. I first started reading about Opus Dei and Saint Josemaria Escriva the founder over a decade ago. And yet the more I read, the more I am impressed with both the man and the organization. And this book was an incredible read, opening up the life of the man and the work from one of the earlier members, Blessed Alvaro del Portillo.

Bishop Alvaro del Portillo lived with and worked closely with Josemaria Escriva for 40 years. The faith of both men come through in the book, their friendship, their support for each other and their dedication to serving the Church. The book is an interview with the back and forth between Cavalleri and del Portillo.

The sections in this book are:

Foreword
Preface
1. A Son of the Church
2. Citizens of Two Cities
3. What the Father Was Like
4. His Upbringing
5. The Founder
6. A Family and an Army
7. Means and Obstacles
8. Outlines of Interior Life
9. The Bread and the Word
10. Devotions
11. Virtues Lived to a Heroic Degree
12. A Reputation for Sanctity
13. June 26, 1975
A Chronology of the Life of St. Josemaría Escrivá
Bibliographical Note

Some of the stories in this book have different versions told elsewhere. But many of them are new. It is the personal account of a life lived in service. A life committed to following Gods leadings, guidance an immense trust in Gods provision. This book was an excellent read. It will challenge your faith and how you live it out. The examples of Escriva and del Portillo will both motivate and encourage.

This book is wonderful and I encourage you to give it a read with an open heart!

(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)

Books about Alvaro del Portillo:
Alvaro Del Portillo The Power of Humility - Helena Scott and Ethel Tolansky
Saxum: The Life of Alvaro del Portillo - John F. Coverdale
40 Years with a Saint: Blessed Alvaro del Portillo on St. Josemara Escriva - Cesare Cavalleri
...

Books by Alvaro del Portillo:
Like Salt and Like Light: Anthology of texts compiled by Jose Antonio Loarte
Faithful And Laity In The Church; The Bases Of Their Legal Status
Journey with Jesus

...

Prayer of the Day Blessed Don Alvaro del Portillo's Childhood Marian Prayer

Thursday, 22 September 2016

Icarus Down - James Bow

Icarus Down
James Bow
Scholastic Canada
ISBN 9781443139137
eISBN 9781443139144

I have read two other books by James Bow and greatly enjoyed them, but this book takes my appreciation of his writing to a whole new level. It was interesting I was reading both this book, and The Swan Riders - Prisoners of Peace book 2 by his wife Erin Bow at the same time. I was reading the eBook of this and a printed advance copy of Swan Riders. Slowly this book started monopolizing more and more of my time until I rushed through to finish it first. It got to the point where I just could not put this book down, I ended up taking a long lunch at work to finish it one day.

This story is gripping with a great intensity even with the slow pace of the story and is compelling in the message it conveys and how it is presented. It a world founded on lies and secrets a group of humans spread across thirteen cities suspended in chasms live a perilous life. The sun will easily kill humans if in it directly for long, but there are monsters in the fog below on the ground. Much of the technology that brought them here was lost in the first few days because of how harsh an environment it is and wiring just fried. And now their world is about to be turned upside down.

Simon Daud just wanted to be a pilot. And on his final flight test something goes terribly wrong. His brother is lost and he is horribly burned. But he survived. But soon his life is in upheaval as he finds out secrets his friends, his brother and even his mother had kept from him. He must decide if he will help the group known as grounders. But all that changes when his city is sabotaged and crashed to the ground. And with that he is abandoned to the fog forest. And this is where things get even more interesting. Tic Tic Tic.

This book as mentioned was very hard to put down. In some ways it reminds me of reading Dune by Frank Herbert when I was much younger. And it is also reminiscent of some themes Robert A. Heinlein, especially Stanger in a Strange Land. Humans who want to leave earth and the veil we have done to one another, only to succumb to what we hate most. The masses deceived and fooled by a few for many, many years. And learning to accept the self through finally understanding the alien, and through that recognising the alien within us all.

The characters in this story are masterfully written, from Simon and Eliza to the nefarious Tal. The characters are one of this books greatest strengths. Another is the pace of the plot, the time travelling and learning. The discoveries and having to learn to accept and live with them. And I loved how the story was told back and forth, the first part of the book is Simon's story and then it is told back and forth from both Simon and Eliza or EK-TAAK-TOCK-TAAK, point of view.

Overall I cannot think of a single criticism of this book. The closest would maybe be that I wish it was written in such a way that the story would continue. This is wonderful read in a classic science fiction style and I wish I could give it more than 5 stars!

Books by James Bow:
Icarus Down

The Unwritten Books:
The Unwritten Girl
Fathom Five
The Young City

Mysteries Revealed:
Animal Mysteries Revealed
Earth Mysteries Revealed
Space Mysteries Revealed

Non-Fiction:
Lamborghini: Superstar Cars
Earth's Secrets: Invisible Worlds
Deep Space Extremes
Baseball: Sports Science
Cycling: Sports Science
Saving Endangered Plants and Animals: Science Solves It
Rescue Missions: Science Solves It

Author Profile and Interview with James Bow

Wednesday, 21 September 2016

Product Review - Vegan Recovery Matrix - Paleo Ethics

Vegan Recovery Matrix
Paleo Ethics
ASIN B01FK3FNP8

This is an interesting product. I enjoy it, but I believe there is room for improvement. It is very interesting having a recover drink that is warm, or hot to drink. It has a great taste, it is much like drinking a neo citron or peppermint tea cross. The flavour is good. And a nice warm cup at the end of the day for recovery is a great idea.

Each scoop of Paleo Ethics Vegan Recovery Matrix contains a mix of Pea Protein, Zinc, Magnesium, Coconut Oil Powder, Gellan Gum, Stevia, Natural Vanilla Flavour, Peppermint Natural Flavour, Natural Chai Flavour. But what I love most about this product is also what it does not contain, non GMO, no corn, no soy, gluten free, no eggs no dairy, no added sugar and no fillers.

But there are some drawbacks. The mix separates quickly as it cools. So you either need to drink it really quick. Or keep stirring as you drink. Also once it separates or cools it starts to have a slightly chalky taste that is not present when it is really hot.

Overall it is a good product. I have used it every day for 2 weeks and really think it is a great way to cap off the evening, and set up the recovery formula is a great kick off for the next day.

I can highly recommend it.

Reviews of Paleo Ethics Products:
Organic Super Greens
Vegan Recovery Matrix

Super Serum Vanilla

Tuesday, 20 September 2016

A Break in the Chain - Chris d'Lacey

A Break in the Chain
Chris d'Lacey

Joanna Carey (Illustrator)
A Banana Book
Heinemann
ISBN 9780778709770

I have now read 15 books by Chris d'Lacey in under a year. With every book I enjoy his skill as a writer more. He has a way of drawing readers into the subjects. It was wonderful to go back and read this one of his earliest books. My son and I tracked down that one after reading A Hole in the Pole. It has most of the same characters and continues on the same track. And again it was great seeing precursors to characters from both The Dragons of Wayward Crescent and The Last Dragon Chronicles. All three of my children love this book and many other we have read by d'Lacey.

This is the continuing story of Billy Cockcroft, but this time instead of being concerned about the hole in the ozone at the North Pole, the focus is on the effect of an oil spill in the arctic. This time Billy becomes responsible to explaining about the Polar Bear's food chain. But the TV news about the oil spill and the effect it is having. Soon Billy has another mystical experience with the Polar Bear Lorel and through that mobilizes his class to raise money to help with the clean-up in the artic. They soon raise awareness locally and through the news much further afield.

The story is very well written. It has great characters, an interesting plot and a great pace for early readers transitioning from picture books to early chapter books. My children loved the clean-up project they tried. They were also fascinated with the descriptions of early computers and computers arriving in the class room. They asked if that was what it was like.

The illustrations really add to the story. Towards the centre of the book is a full double page illustration that my son has spent a lot of time going back to. They are bright, and really are fun.

Chris d'Lacey is currently my favourite author. I have acquired all of his eBooks and have been slowing tracking down his older out of print books, like this one. I have yet to encounter a story that my children do not love, and that I also greatly enjoy. This was a wonderful read and is well worth tracking down. Chris d'Lacey writes in such an engaging style that children love his writings and those who read to and with them will also. I can highly recommend this book.

Books by Chris d'Lacey:
Dragons of Wayward Crescent
1 Gruffen (2009)
2 Gauge (2008)
3 Glade (2009)
4 Grabber (2010)

The Erth Dragons
1 The Wearle (2015)
2. Dark Wyng (2016)
3. The New Age (2018)

The Last Dragon Chronicles with David Rain
1 The Fire Within (2001)
2 Icefire (2003)
3 Fire Star (2005)
4 The Fire Eternal (2007)
5 Dark Fire (2009)
6 Fire World (2011)
7 The Fire Ascending (2012)
Rain and Fire: A Guide to the Last Dragon Chronicles (2010)

The Unicorne Files
1 A Dark Inheritance (2014)
2 Alexander's Army (2015)
3 A Crown of Dragons (2016)

Fly, Cherokee Fly Series
Fly, Cherokee Fly
Pawnee Warrior

Other Books
Henry Spaloosh!
Horace
Shrinking Ralph Perfect
The Snail Patrol
The Table Football League
Riverside United
Lofty
From E to You
Scupper Hargreaves, Football Genie
The Salt Pirates of Skegness
Falling for Mandy
The Prompter

Picture Books:
A Hole at the Pole
Juggling with Jeremy
A Break in the Chain
Read With Bubble and Float
Dexter's Journey
Frankin's Bear

Contributed to:
On Me ‘ead, Santa
Nice One, Santa
The Usborne Book of Christmas Stories
Heroes and Villains
In the Frame
Midnight Feast

Author Profile and Interview with Chris d'Lacey.

Monday, 19 September 2016

The Chameleon - Merrick Rosenberg - Life-Changing Wisdom for Anyone Who has a Personality or Knows Someone Who Does

The Chameleon:
Life-Changing Wisdom for Anyone Who has a Personality or Knows Someone Who Does
Merrick Rosenberg
Take Flight Learning
ISBN 9780996411004
ASIN B01A7SAADQ

This book was an incredible read. It takes the personality types of the DISC style and convert's them into birds. And then through a series of short parables the different birds learn to maximize the advantages of their type and how to overcome some of the weaknesses. The material is very easy to access based on the way it is presented. This is one of the best personal development books I have ever read. The Chameleon: Life-Changing Wisdom for Anyone Who has a Personality or Knows Someone Who Does by Merrick Rosenberg. The book reads much like Patrick Lencioni's leadership books, for each chapter is a parable teaching a lesson based on the bird types.

The types are:
Dominance - Eagle
Influence - Interactive - Parrot
Steadiness - Supportive - Dove
Conscientiousness - Logical - Owl

But it is also part the 5 Love Languages and part stoic wisdom. Merrick uses the birds because once people hear him speak about the birds they never forget their bird type. But for years people came up to him saying they had heard him speak, or read about DISC bust usually were not sure what their type was.

The description of the book is: "Laugh And Learn Through Twenty-Two Entertaining Fables That Reflect The Challenges You Experience In Your Life story.
Guided by an all-knowing chameleon, four unassuming birds play the roles of the personality styles. The insights gained from their interactions and struggles will lift you to new heights of understanding yourself. Let the Wisdom of The Chameleon Enable You to Effortlessly Adapt to the People and Situations Around You.

Join an Eagle, Parrot, Dove, and Owl on their enlightening journey as you learn to:

Capitalize on your strengths-
Deepen your most important relationships
Enhance your career
Live a more fulfilling life

This book will be an excellent resource for both your personal and your professional live. The lessons learned will be applicable in your interactions with others. I already have plans to read it again and also check other Merrick's other book Taking Flight!

It is a great little read and I thing you will be interested in it, and will greatly benefit from this great read.

Books by Merrick Rosenberg:
Taking Flight!: Master the DISC Styles to Transform Your Career, Your Relationships... Your Life
The Chameleon: Life-Changing Wisdom for Anyone Who has a Personality or Knows Someone Who Does

Wednesday, 14 September 2016

Product Review - Organic Super Greens - Paleo Ethics

Organic Super Greens
Paleo Ethics
ASIN B01FK3FFYW

Years ago I took a Greens product every day for a long, long time. It took me a while to find one I liked and I stuck with it. Eventually the manufacturer changed the formula and I could not stand the taste. I have tried over a dozen greens products in the last few years and have yet to find one I really like and was at a price point I was willing to spend. That was until I came across this one. I have finally found a Greens supplement that is very palatable, has quality ingredients and at a great price.

Each scoop of Paleo Ethics Super Greens contains a mix of Greens, Fruit, Veggies, Super foods and herbs. It contains organic versions of the following:
Spirulina, Spinach, Kale, Parsley, Kelp, Moringa Leaf, Chlorella, Apple, Sweet Potato, Carrot, Broccoli, Red Beet, Coconut, Acai, Pomegranate, Goji, Blueberry, Greet Tea, Grape Seed, Ginseng, Ginger, Milk Thistle and Licorice Root.

What I like about this product most is that it has a very mild flavour. It has not been made overly sweet. It is great mixed with juice and is palatable enough to even have just with water. And unlike a lot of other greens I have tried this one completely dissolves even with room temperature liquid. There is no aftertaste and no sludge when you get to the end.

Another great benefit is that this product is hypoallergenic, it is egg, GMO, gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, corn and sugar free.

This is the best greens product I have tried and I have gone through dozens. I am glad to have found a produce that I can use day in and day out for that extra oomph. My plans are to use this as a daily supplement and also a second dose occasionally on those days that take more out of you or when fighting off a flu or cold.

This was excellent and I look forward to trying more products from Paleo Ethics!

Reviews of Paleo Ethics Products:
Organic Super Greens
Vegan Recovery Matrix

Super Serum Vanilla

Tuesday, 13 September 2016

A Shepherd in Combat Boots: Chaplain Emil Kapaun of the 1st Cavalry Division - William L. Maher

A Shepherd in Combat Boots:
Chaplain Emil Kapaun of the 1st Cavalry Division
William L. Maher
Burd Street Press
ISBN 9781572493056
ISBN 9781572490697

I do not read a lot of physical books any more. In fact in the range of 30 or 40 eBooks to every physical book. But this book came highly recommended to me and I am very grateful I took the risk. I did not know much about the book, the author or even the subject. But I respected the friend who recommended it enough to take the risk.

This was a very powerful story. My own grandfather served in Korea with the Canadian Forces, and though he was Scotch Presbyterian, and did not like to tell stories about his time in service, we had heard a few over the years. Nothing like the stories in this book. The description of the book is:

"Early in the Korean War Chinese forces surrounded troops of the 1st Cavalry Division. Trying to escape-the American soldiers warned Catholic Chaplain Emil Kapaun. However, he refused to leave his wounded comrades and became a POW. His decision marked a turning point in the inspiring life of this young catholic priest.

Raised on a farm in Kansas, Kapaun served as pastor in his hometown until he became an army chaplain during World War II. The book describes the beginning of the Korean conflict and how Chinese forces surrounded Kapaun and other Cavalrymen in the freezing hills of North Korea.

Kapaun's faith and courage on the battlefield and in prison set an example for hundreds of young American captives. When they were starving he stole food for them. If the men needed encouragement he defied prison rules and prayed with them. When the communist guards mocked his faith in God, the chaplain publicly defended his beliefs.

When Kapaun became sick, the communists denied him medicine and watched him die in their vermin-infested "hospital." However, they could not extinguish the memories of how he served other prisoners. The army awarded the chaplain the Distinguished Service Cross and the Vatican named him "Servant of God." This book is a well-documented biography of an extraordinary person."

This book does more than that though. Through reading the life story of this farm boy from Kansas, who became a priest and twice volunteered for active service as a military Chaplin is inspiration. This book is a challenge. It will challenge our simple life, and our faith. While reading this book and looking at Emil's example I have found myself praying more, trying harder to be an example each and every day. Giving 100% to my work, my co-worker's and my friends and family.

The first three quarters of the book is the back story. Emil's life up and including Capture by the Chinese army in North Korea. The last part of the book is life in prison camps and as a POW.

Emil was a man's man, he was kind, generous, caring and he lived to serve. This story has so inspired me I have already picked up another biography to read. His canonization process is underway. And I hope to see it completed. The words others spoke of him, other Christians, Jews, even Muslims and of course Catholics attest to his influence on all he met. And based on the samples of his writings in this book, I can only hope that someday we will see published volumes of his letters, sermons or academic work.

This book was an incredible read. To witness someone living such character in the face of the terrible conditions can give hope to all of us who strive to live and be more for God.

Reviews of other books by and about Father Emil Kapaun:

Blessings from the Battlefield - Edited by Thomas R. O'Brien

Heroic Catholic Chaplains: Stories of the Brave and Holy Men Who Dodged Bullets While Saving Souls

A Shepherd in Combat Boots: Chaplain Emil Kapaun of the 1st Cavalry Division - William Maher

The Miracle of Father Kapaun: Priest, Soldier and Korean War Hero - Roy Wenzl and Travis Heying

Chaplains in Action - Rosemarian V. Staudacher and H. Lawrence Hoffman - Vision Book #53

Virtue Series - Kapaun's Men - Formed

Stations of the Cross with Servant of God Emil Kapaun – Scott Carter (Editor)

Kapaun's Battle - Jeff Gress

...

(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)

Reviews of other books about Military Chaplains:
The Grunt Padre: Father Vincent Robert Capodanno Vietnam 1966-1967 - Daniel L. Mode
The Priest Barracks Dachau 1938-1945 - Guillaume Zeller
Blessings from the Battlefield - Edited by Thomas R. O'Brien
Heroic Catholic Chaplains: Stories of the Brave and Holy Men Who Dodged Bullets While Saving Souls

Fr Willie Doyle & World War I: A Chaplain's Story - K.V. Turley
Armed with Faith The Life of Father Vincent R. Capodanno, MM - Stephen M. Digiovanni

Fighting Father Duffy - Jim Bishop, Virginia Lee Bishop and H. Lawrence Hoffman

...

For all reviews and articles about Military Chaplains click here.

Monday, 12 September 2016

Yesterday Again - Barry Lyga - Archvillain Book 3

Yesterday Again
Archvillain Book 3
Barry Lyga
Scholastic
ISBN 9780545196543
eISBN 9780545520324
ASIN B00ANT22MC

When it comes to finishing series sometimes I hesitate to read the last book. This was one of those times. I read books 1 and 2 as soon as they came out but for some reason it took me a long time to read book three. It part I had heard that the author hoped to make 4 books and had to cap the series because of the publisher. And in part after the second book I could just not see how it could all tie together. I am really glad I finally picked it up and finished it, Barry Lyga did it again and crafted an amazing end to a series.

In this final volume Kyle Camden is not himself. He regrets his actions for the first time. He cannot hardly look at his best friend let alone talk to her. He is focused on Mighty Mike still but now also fascinated with finding a way to undo his mistakes and ease his regret by going back in time. But things do not always go as planned, especially for a super genius and his ipod with intelligence to match. Planning to head back in time after constructing a time machine from an old motorcycle and lots of electronics. But he overshoots and ends up in 1987. Meeting a younger version of the Sheriff Munroe, and even his father.

In part this book reads as homage to Back to the Future, and in part like Meet the Robinsons. The story throws some interesting twists. And in fact I would say they are 3 great surprises in this book.

It was a great read and As mentioned earlier I should have read it much sooner. If you have read the earlier books, you owe it to yourself to see the story through. If you have not this trilogy is well worth the time.

So read them and find out about Archvillain, Archnemesis and Project Irony!

Books by Barry Lyga:
I Hunt Killers:
I Hunt Killers (2012)
Game - I Hunt Killers #2 (2013)
Blood of My Blood - I Hunt Killers # 3 (2014)

I Hunt Killers Short Stories:
Down Time (2018)
Lucky Day (2014)
Career Day (2012)
Neutral Mask (2013)
Blood Boy (2014)

Brookdale High:
The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl (2006)
Boy Toy (2007)
Hero Type (2008)
Goth Girl Rising (2009)
Bang (2017)

Archvillian:
Archvillain #1 (2010)
The Mad Mask - Archvillian #2 (2011)
Yesterday Again - Archvillian #3 (2013)

The Flash Series:
Hocus Pocus (2017)
Johnny Quick (2018)
Tornado Twins (2018)

Other Books By Barry Lyga:
Graphic Novels in Your Media Center: A definitive Guide (with Alison A.W. Lyga - 2004)
Wolverine: Worst Day Ever (2009)
MangaMan (with Colleen Dorren 2011)
Unsoul'd (2013)
After The Red Rain (2015)
The Secret Sea (2016)
Thanos Titan Consumed (2018)
The Hive (2019)

...

Short Story Project 2017
The Ghosts at 95
Loving The University
The Ideas of March
Four Minutes
Pulse vs. the Killing Fiend
Her Decade
The Life Cycle of Stars (Ignition)
Bobby
Trading Worlds
When I Die
The Autopsying of Michael Edward Morgan
Meet Me Tonight
...

Contributed to:
Geektastic (2009)
Who Done It? (2013)

Author Profile and Interview with Barry Lyga
Author Profile and Interview with Randall Banner

Friday, 9 September 2016

I Wish You More - Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld

I Wish You More
Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Tom Lichtenheld
Chronicle Books
ISBN 9781452126999
ASIN B00SXTOPWY

My youngest daughter pulled this off the shelf to read before bed. I do not even recall where we got this book from. But I am so glad she picked it for us to read. It was a wonderful little book. It is a series of wishes, and to be honest they resonate with prayers I pray for my children.

This book contains 14 wishes and some of our favorites are:

I wish you more hugs than ughs.
I wish you more stories than stars.
I wish you more pause than fast-forward.

Amy has written a book that captures the essence of being a good parent, teacher, or caregiver. We always whish the best for those in our care. We want what is best for those in our life. Sometimes it is hard to explain that to children, but this book does an excellent job of capturing that sentiment and portraying it in a way that the children understand and can latch onto.

The illustrations are wonderful. Tom Lichtenheld does an amazing job of capturing the sentiment of the wishes and childhood dreams. The illustrations are bright, cheerful and fun. My daughter loves the pictures and it became an instant favorite.

We have read this a few nights in a row now and I am sure it will be a favorite for a long time to come. It is an excellent little read and with the 41 years of age difference both my daughter and I highly recommend it.

Thursday, 8 September 2016

Product Review - Ringside ApexFlash Sparring Gloves

Ringside Apex Flash Sparring Gloves
FTG2 BK/GN
Ringside
ASIN B00X5K28FM

I must be honest and state I am not a boxer, or MMA fighter. But the gym at work has both a heavy bag and speed bag that I have enjoyed using over the last year. When I got the chance to give these a try, I jumped at it. They are much better than the community ones I had been using. They have a nice weight and feel. They have more wrist support than other gloves I have used.

Some of the features and specifications of this specific style are:

100% durable synthetic leather construction
2 1/4" thick IMF padding for ultimate hand protection
3 1/4" wrap around hook and loop Velcro strap for support
Attached thumb for safety
Anatomically correct hand compartment for proper fist alignment
Mesh palm and anti-bacterial inner liner to keep hands cool
Two weights 14oz or 16oz

These gloves come in numerous color combinations. If you are going to be using them for sparring or bag work I would stick with the darker color combinations. White or other light colors look grungy pretty quick, as I have seen often at the gym. I got the 16oz gloves and really should have gone with the 14. Pay close attention to the sizing chart on the ringside site.

I have used these every day this week to spend time on the heavy bag. They are comfortable, and convenient. The Velcro strap is perfect for training by yourself or quick changes. These come in at a great price point for the casual enthusiast, they are a little more expensive than some but also much cheaper then really high end gear. The construction is of a high quality and I see myself using these for many years to come.

My kids loved trying these when they came in, and even my wife gave them a go and loved the feel of the gloves and throwing a few punches. I can recommend these gloves with confidence for their intended purpose, sparring or bag work.